Chemotherapy, Cakes and Cancer

Fourteen year old cancer survivor, Megan Blunt, will be launching her guide to surviving treatment for childhood cancer, published by CLIC Sargent, on World Book Day (Thursday 1 March), the day when children and young people across the UK explore the wonder of reading and books.

Megan wrote ‘Chemotherapy, Cakes and Cancer’ following her childhood cancer journey when she realised that there was little literature available about cancer for young people her age when they are diagnosed.

Megan says: “I felt it was important to write something about my experience of cancer because no-one had written anything for people my age. I had picked up many useful tips along the way and wanted other people to benefit from them. Many people reacted badly when I told them I had cancer I wanted to present it in a positive light. Strange though it sounds, I do have many happy memories of my time in treatment.”

Working in partnership with CLIC Sargent, the charity that supported her and her family throughout her treatment, Megan will be publishing the book and making it available as a resource for other childhood cancer patients.

Geoff Thaxter, Director of Services, CLIC Sargent, says: “We hope this book will prove to be a vital resource for young people when they are diagnosed with cancer. It is critical that the material they receive is informative yet digestible. There remains a gap in the age appropriate services and information accessible to young people Megan’s age. This book will further endorse CLIC Sargent’s Young People’s Charter, which pledges to offer a range of support specifically designed for young people.  Young people can really miss out – we need to make sure they are fully supported through their treatment and beyond.”

Megan wrote ‘Chemotherapy, Cakes and Cancer’ in memory of her friend, Nathaniel Burke, who lost his battle with cancer in August 2006. Nathaniel’s father Chris illustrated the book. Chris says: “Megan and Nat met in March 2005 on the hospital ward and became good friends. I was amazed by their sheer ability to enjoy life no matter what. When Megan asked if I could illustrate her book I was touched. It is such a fitting tribute to Nat. I hope this book will make young people time in hospital a little easier and that they too come away with happy memories.”

Megan adds: “Losing my friend was the driving force I needed to finish the book. I had been given a chance to live. I wanted to do something which kept Nat’s memory alive and helped others who were having treatment for cancer.”

Chemotherapy, Cakes and Cancer is available to order through the CLIC Sargent Child Cancer Helpline on 0800 197 0068 and is  available to download  here
top of page